Setting out on a Journey

 

Mak 10:17-31

Proper 23 / Year B

“As Jesus was setting out on a journey…”  Jesus makes several ‘journeys’ over the course of his public ministry.  He crisscrosses the Sea of Galilee several times.  He goes from village to village in and around Capernaum – the town he calls home.  He visits Nazareth, the place where he grew up.  He goes to Jerusalem for high, holy festivals.  He even travels through Samaria and flees to the north after the execution of John the Baptist; both of these are regions ‘good’ Jews avoid. 

And after each journey he returns to Capernaum, the home of Peter and Andrew, James and John – fishermen by trade.  It is unclear if Jesus stays in one of their homes or has a place of his own.  But we need to note his disciples have homes and families and a trade with all the tools necessary to ply it.  Yes, when they journey with Jesus they leave it all behind.  They sacrifice much because in their business there is no paid time off.  If you are not working you are not earning a living.  Your family goes without.  The bills pile up.  Competitors gain advantage.

But for Jesus’ followers these sacrifices are worth it because as they journey with him their lives are changed and they find life as they never experienced it before.  I think it is a bit of hyperbole to say they have given up all their possessions to follow Jesus.  They still have their homes and boats and nets, at least.  But they give up much when they go on a journey with him.

So, in today’s reading, we are told simply Jesus is setting out on a journey.  Period.  But this is not just any journey.  He is going to Jerusalem to attend the Passover.  It will begin with the triumphant entry into the Holy City on the back of a donkey.  It will see him arrested, tried, tortured, and executed.  It will conclude with the Resurrection.  So, no, this is not like the other journeys.  This is THE JOURNEY.  It will change the course of history as well as the lives of his disciples.

So as Jesus is setting out a man runs up to him, kneels, and asks a question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”  His motivation is not clear.  Does he just want to know how to check off another box of prudent things to do?  Or, is he at a point in life where he has seen it all, done it all, and savored it all, yet still feels like something is missing?  Has he tasted the best life has to offer only to realize he has a longing which none of it can satisfy? 

Jesus and the man discuss those 10 Commandments dealing with how one treats his fellow human beings.  “I have kept these laws since my youth,” the person says.  Such a claim makes us skeptical, but no matter.  Jesus says to him, “There is one thing you lack.”  Does he mean in addition to keeping the commandments there is one more requirement before meriting eternal life or is he saying “I know what you need to do quell the nagging feeling in your soul”? 

Jesus’ three-fold directive is this: First, sell what you have.  Next, give the money to the poor.  Finally, come, follow me.  Now, I don’t know if Jesus means he should literally divest himself of everything he owns, but clearly his possessions weigh him down and when Jesus goes on a journey he is all about travelling light.  It is a good way to undertake a pilgrimage and it is a good way to go through life.  It is possible this sacrificial act is the final box the man needs to check in order to inherit eternal life.  After all, Jesus says if you give to the poor you will have treasure in heaven.  Perhaps the man hears this as when I get to the pearly gates I will have enough riches stored up to buy my way in.

But when Jesus invites the man to follow him on his journey he is writing a prescription for what deeply troubles him.  “Come and be with me,” Jesus says.  Image how his life would have been changed if he accepted.  Imagine how the events of Holy Week and Easter would have left a holy mark on his soul.  He might have become an Apostle.  He might have gone on his own journey to preach the gospel.  He might have founded churches.  He might have written an account of Jesus’ life which makes it into the canon of Holy Scripture.  By losing his life, he might have found his life, as Jesus taught.  But, at this point in his journey, he is not willing to part with his possessions and walks away ‘shocked’ and ‘grieving.’ 

Those of us here this morning might want to ponder if Jesus is inviting us to join him on a journey.  If so, what might cause us to reject the offer?  We might want to recall the times Jesus invited us to follow and we said no.  Why did we hold back and what did we miss out on in the process?  We might also want to reflect on those times we joined Jesus on the way and consider how it changed our lives.